The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. It consists of the heads of state or government of the member states, together with its President and the President of the Commission.

The Council of the EU is the institution representing the member states' governments. Also known informally as the EU Council, it is where national ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.

President Donald Tusk presented to the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg the outcome of the European Council on 9 March and the informal meeting of the 27 heads of state or government on 10 March 2017.

On Friday, the 27 leaders met informally to discuss preparations for the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties.

Election of the President

The European Council re-elected Donald Tusk as its President for a second
term of two and a half years, from 1 June 2017 to 30 November 2019. Donald Tusk
was also re-appointed as President of the Euro Summit for the same period.

"Thank you for your trust in me, for your great support in these
unusual circumstances. (…)I will work with all of you without any exception
because I am truly devoted to the united Europe."

The European Council decided to
come back, later this year, to the process, criteria and balances needed
regarding high-level appointments for the next institutional cycle.

Jobs, growth and
competitiveness

Economic situation

The leaders assessed the economic situation in the EU and the euro area, concluding that
the reforms implemented by the member states since 2008 are bearing fruit:

the economic recovery is continuing with positive growth across
the member states, and the outlook is encouraging

the
unemployment level is at its lowest since 2009

the state of
public finances is improving and investment is growing

To ensure
the sustainability of the economic recovery, the leaders called for structural reforms, strengthening of public finances and
promotion of investment, including through the swift extension
of the European fund for strategic investments.

Advancing on single market
strategies

The implementation of various single market strategies by
2018 remains the EU's shared objective. The European Council therefore expects
an effective implementation of decisions that have already been taken and calls
for swift progress on current legislative proposals.

Trade

The leaders welcomed the positive vote in the European Parliament on the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and looked forward to its imminent provisional application.

"The EU remains strongly committed to a robust trade policy and an open and rules-based multilateral trading system, with a central role for the World Trade Organisation (WTO)," the leaders concluded.

At the same time, they called for the quick adoption of legislative proposals that would equip the EU with WTO-compatible tools to tackle unfair trade practices and market distortions.

The leaders also confirmed that the EU will resolutely advance on all ongoing negotiations for free trade agreements, including with Mercosur and Mexico; negotiations with Japan being closest to conclusion.

Trade relations with China should be strengthened on the basis of a shared understanding of reciprocal and mutual benefits.

"Europe remains the champion of open, rules-based trade (...)At the same time we will not hesitate to defend ourselves against unfair trading practices, wherever necessary. We want to set the global standard for free and fair trade."

Banking union

The
leaders reiterated the need to complete the banking union in terms of reducing and sharing risks in the financial sector. They emphasised the
importance of international cooperation on the design of common prudential and
supervisory standards for financial services.

European Semester

As part of the European Semester - the EU's annual economic policy
coordination process - the leaders endorsed policy priorities for 2017,
as set out in this year's annual growth survey, and the draft Council
recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area for 2017. The member
states are expected to take these priorities into account in their national
policies.

As concerns the social dimension of economic growth,
the leaders look forward to the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth, which is
to take place in Gothenburg on 17 November 2017.

Security and defence

The heads of state or government assessed the implementation of its
December 2016 conclusions on external security and defence. Leaders welcomed
the progress achieved, as outlined at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting
on 6 March, and called on for additional action and resources. They
recalled the importance of implementing the proposals set out in the joint
declaration for enhanced cooperation with NATO.

EU leaders also
discussed internal security and the fight against terrorism. They called
on co-legislators to:

agree on the proposal for an entry-exit system by June 2017

speed up work on the
proposal for the European travel information and authorisation system
(ETIAS)

Migration

Prime
Minister Muscat reported on progress in implementing operational measures
agreed at the informal meeting in Malta on 3 February 2017 regarding the Central
Mediterranean route.

The leaders reiterated its determination to
deliver on all the elements of the Malta Declaration. They said that they
stand behind actions undertaken by individual member states to support the
Libyan authorities as well as their North African and southern
neighbours.

They invited the Council to rapidly examine the Commission communication on a renewed action plan on return, and to
pursue work on EU readmission arrangements with third countries.

The heads of state or government reiterated their determination to deliver on
all aspects of the EU's migration policy, and to achieve consensus on the reform of EU's asylum policy during the Maltese presidency.

Western Balkans

Heads of state or government discussed the situation in the Western Balkans. Leaders stressed the need of continuing on the reform path, good neighbourly relations and inclusive regional cooperation initiatives.

"To the countries of the region, we expressed our full commitment to support EU-oriented reforms and projects. I hope this positive signal from the EU will be heard in the region."

Donald Tusk at the final press conference

European Public Prosecutor's
Office

The leaders also took note of the impossibility to reach a
consensus on the creation of a European Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO).
This opens the door to establishing an enhanced cooperation between a group of
at least nine member states.

Informal meeting

On Friday 10 March the 27 leaders met informally to prepare for the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties and discussed the main elements of the Rome Declaration.

The debate focused on the EU future, including the idea of a multi-speed Europe.

"Some expect systemic changes that would loosen intra-EU ties and strengthen the role of nations in relation to the community. Others, quite the opposite, are looking for new, deeper dimensions of integration," said President Tusk, summing up the discussions.

He highlighted that, considering the interests of the community of 27 countries in the context of the upcoming Brexit negotiations and the long-term strategic interests of the EU, he would be urging everyone to strive towards maintaining political unity among the 27.

"When discussing the various scenarios for Europe, our main objective should be to strengthen mutual trust and unity among 27. And after today's debate I can openly say that all 27 leaders agree with this objective."

European Council: Other meetings

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